Unifi Recycles 10 Billionth Bottle; Announces Goal to Recycle 20 Billion by 2020, 30 Billion by 2022

GREENSBORO, N.C., Nov. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of America Recycles Day, Unifi, Inc., (NYSE: UFI) the global leader in branded recycled performance fibers, announces the Company has recycled more than 10 billion plastic bottles. Building from that momentum, Unifi is targeting 20 billion bottles recycled by 2020 and 30 billion bottles by 2022.  To recognize customers who have partnered for this achievement, Unifi is launching the REPREVE Champions of Sustainability Awards.

"Reaching 10 billion bottles is an impressive milestone, and by committing to recycle an additional 20 billion by 2022, we will continue to expand our portfolio of REPREVE-based performance products," said Kevin Hall, chief executive officer of Unifi. "With nearly 70 percent of plastic bottles in the United States going to landfills, America Recycles Day is a perfect time to remind people to recycle more and buy sustainable products. REPREVE provides a solution for plastic bottles as long as they make it to a recycling bin."

To put this achievement into perspective, consider this:

• 10 billion bottles can fill the Empire State Building 7.2 times¹
• 10 billion bottles placed end to end can circle the earth more than 50 times²
• The recycled bottles used to create REPREVE fiber, filament and chip instead of virgin equivalent can save enough energy to power 95,000 homes for one year³

Unifi saw an opportunity to incorporate recycled plastic bottles into REPREVE, providing a sustainable solution to brands and retailers.  The REPREVE Champions of Sustainability Awards will acknowledge those companies who are committed to manufacturing sustainable products with REPREVE performance fibers.

Hall added, "Unifi could not have reached the 10 billion bottle milestone without the commitment from our customers to provide earth-friendly products, and the REPREVE Champions of Sustainability Awards give us the opportunity to thank our partners who helped make it possible. A vast difference can be made if more companies recognize the impact they have on our planet and take steps to reduce it. The REPREVE Champions of Sustainability Awards are meant to honor and inspire companies to source responsibly and take sustainability strategies to the next level."

The 2017 winners of the REPREVE Champions of Sustainability Awards will be announced at the 2018 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in Denver, Jan. 25-28.

About Unifi:
Unifi, Inc. (NYSE:UFI) is a global textile solutions provider and one of the world's leading innovators in manufacturing synthetic and recycled performance fibers. The Company's proprietary technologies offer increased performance, comfort and style advantages, enabling customers to develop products that perform, look and feel better. Through REPREVE®, one of Unifi's proprietary technologies and the global leader in branded recycled performance fibers, Unifi has transformed more than 10 billion plastic bottles into recycled fiber for new clothing, shoes, home goods and other consumer products. Unifi continually innovates to meet consumer needs in moisture management, thermal regulation, antimicrobial, UV protection, stretch, water repellency and enhanced softness. Unifi collaborates with many of the world's most influential brands in the sports apparel, fashion, home, automotive and other industries, including New Era, Levi's, Target, Ford and more. For more information about Unifi, visit www.Unifi.com.  

About REPREVE:
Made by Unifi, Inc. (NYSE:UFI), REPREVE® is the global leader in branded recycled performance fibers, transforming more than 10 billion plastic bottles into recycled fiber for new clothing, shoes, home goods and other consumer products. REPREVE is the earth-friendly solution to making consumers' favorite brands more environmentally responsible. Found in products from many of the world's leading brands including New Era, Levi's, Target and Ford.  REPREVE fibers can also be enhanced with Unifi's proprietary technologies for increased performance and comfort. For more information about REPREVE, visit www.REPREVE.com, and connect with REPREVE on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

REPREVE® is a trademark of Unifi, Inc.

¹ Based on 37 million cubic feet in the Empire State building and 37.5 uncrushed plastic bottles (16.9 oz size) in a cubic foot
² Based on the circumference of the earth (1.5778 billion inches) and an 8 inch plastic bottle (16.9 oz size)
³ Lifecycle Impact data is based on REPREVE branded sales of chip, filament and fiber since the beginning of Unifi's fiscal year 2008

SOURCE Unifi, Inc.